The GMC Savana Cutaway van is known by customers and upfitters alike for the flexibility and durability of its three available wheelbases, single or dual rear wheels and three engine choices – including the powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel.

For 2014, the Savana Cutaway continues to provide options for a variety of uses, and introduces a few new items, including new exterior colours – Cyber Grey Metallic, Quick Silver Metallic and Bronze Alloy Metallic – as well as a 160-amp alternator that allows more accessories to run on the powerful electrical system.

Additionally for 2014, the Express features a new 9900 GVWR with the 4,038 mm (159-inch) wheelbase, along with higher GVWRs on 3500 models, including 4,559 kg (10,050 pounds) and 4,581 kg (10,100 pounds). The 4500 models have a maximum GVWR of 6,441 kg (14,200 pounds).

A range of audio systems, including CD/MP3 capability, USB port and navigation, is available on all models. An audio system provision package is standard

SiriusXM Satellite Radio is available

Driver information centre is standard on all models

Brake warning indicator is available

Two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets located on the interior engine cover are standard

Leather-wrapped steering wheel is available

Remote keyless entry is available

Remote vehicle starter system is available.

Savana powertrains – 6.6L Duramax diesel

The powerful Duramax turbo-diesel V-8 is offered in Savana Cutaway, delivering best-in-class torque and horsepower. Known by its “LGH” engine code, it is rated at 260 horsepower (194 kW) and 525 lb.-ft. of torque (711 Nm).

Designed to meet more stringent government emissions requirements, the LGH Duramax employs a robust EGR cooling system, along with revised turbocharger tuning that helps enhance EGR performance. It also has a large-capacity selective catalytic reduction system. In fact, the engine features the latest in emission control technology, making it the cleanest Duramax engine ever produced. NOx emissions are controlled via a Selective Catalyst Reduction aftertreatment system that uses urea-based Diesel (Emission) Exhaust Fluid (DEF). The DEF is housed in a 5.83-gallon (20 L) tank and needs to be replenished about every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Electrically heated lines feed the DEF to the emission system to ensure adequate delivery in cold weather.

The Duramax also includes GM’s second-generation diesel particulate filter system. Unlike most competitors’ systems, the Duramax regenerates its diesel particulate filter using a downstream injection of diesel fuel directly into the exhaust stream and can travel up to 1,125 km (700 miles) between regenerations – a 482 km (300-mile) increase over the previous Duramax engine. The use of downstream injection also helps improve engine life by eliminating concerns about the possibility of diesel fuel contaminating engine oil, which can happen when fuel used for regeneration is introduced directly into the cylinder.

Savana Cutaway also provides outstanding cold-weather performance, thanks to the Duramax’s microprocessor-controlled glow plugs, which are capable of a gas engine-like start performance in less than three seconds in temperatures as low as -29 C (-20 degrees F), without a block heater. The engine has been developed to operate for at least 322,000 km (200,000 miles) on a rough-duty cycle without the need for a major overhaul. It is also backed with a five-year/160,000km powertrain warranty.

A fuel-operated heater (FOH) is available for vans equipped with the Duramax 6.6L to quickly provide heat to the vehicle interior in cold weather. This seamlessly integrated system is designed into the Savana chassis, saving customers the time and labor of upfitting an aftermarket system. The electronically controlled, fuel-operated heater operates automatically, turning on and off within parameters that include outside air temperature, fuel level, coolant temperature and engine use. It features a self-contained, pressurized auxiliary coolant heater (with a surge tank) that uses diesel fuel to generate up to 17,200 Btu/h (5 kW) of heating energy.

A 4.8L V-8 is standard on 3500 models and cranks out 285 horsepower (212 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (398 Nm), while a 6.0L V-8 is standard on 4500 models. It is rated at
342 horsepower (255 kW) and 373 lb.-ft. of torque (506 Nm). The 6.0L is also offered in a special version – engine code LC8 – with hardened valve seats for the available Dedicated Liquefied Petroleum Gas model (4500 models).

The 4.8L and 6.0L engines are part of GM’s Gen IV small-block V-8 engine family. Designed for quiet operation, these engines include:

Special friction-reducing polymer coating on piston skirts

Full-floating piston pins

Damping patch on the oil pan (externally mounted)

Timing chain tensioner

Quieter alternator.

Savana’s engines not only provide a quiet ride, they assure long-lasting performance. Each one was validated under extreme conditions, with the 6.0L engine dynamometer-tested to the equivalent of 322,000 km (200,000 miles) – 80,000 km (50,000 miles) more than other engines in the family. The engines also feature many long-life engine components such as iridium-tip spark plugs, engine coolant, accessory drive belt and sealing gaskets that may reduce maintenance intervals and costs.

Stringent durability testing of the engines included cycling them between peak torque and peak horsepower rpm points – the equivalent of towing a heavy trailer up a steep grade – for 600 straight hours.

The 4.8L and 6.0L engines are matched with the 6L90 fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel-operated auxiliary heat generator is available with Duramax-equipped models

Cold-climate package with engine block heater is available on all models

High-idle switch for greater accessory performance at a job site is available on all models

Oil life monitor is standard on all models

Transmission cooler is standard on all models.

Chassis and suspension

Cutaway models are built on a strong, ladder-type full frame architecture. Varying frame sections support the3530 mm(139-inch), 4,038 mm (159-inch) and 4,495 mm (177-inch) wheelbases. Soft-mount body-mount “donuts” and bolts, which attach upfit bodies to the chassis, are available on all models.

All Cutaway models feature an independent short-long arm (SLA) front suspension, power steering and four-wheel disc brakes with four-wheel antilock. At the rear is a hypoid drive axle and multi-leaf springs.

Additional chassis and suspension features include:

A locking rear differential is available on all models.

Fuel tank configurations with three- or four tanks are available on 4500 with 6.0L and LPG package.